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How to Get ID & Documents in Texas

Texas issues state identification cards through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Birth certificates are managed by the Vital Statistics Section within the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

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Quick Answer

You can get a Texas state ID card at any DPS driver license office for $16. Texas also offers a free Election Identification Certificate (EIC) for voting purposes. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) offers a reentry ID program to help formerly incarcerated individuals obtain identification before release. Birth certificates can be ordered from DSHS Vital Statistics for $22.

Texas ID Agency

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Website: dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license

Phone: (512) 424-2600

State ID Card

Cost: $16

REAL ID: $16 (REAL ID compliant by default)

Processing: 2-3 weeks; card mailed after in-person visit

Online renewal: Yes

Requirements:

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card)
  • Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2)
  • Two proofs of Texas residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement)
  • Proof of legal name change if applicable (marriage certificate, court order)

Texas issues REAL ID compliant cards by default. A free Election Identification Certificate (EIC) is available for Texas residents who need photo ID for voting and do not already have one. You must visit a DPS office in person for a first-time ID. Appointments are recommended and can be scheduled online.

Birth Certificate

Agency: Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics Section

Cost: $22 per certified copy

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: 4-6 weeks by mail; varies in person at local registrar offices

Order online: dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics

You can order Texas birth certificates online through the DSHS website, by mail, or through local county or city registrar offices. You must provide a valid photo ID and proof of relationship to the person named on the certificate. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) partners with DPS to help individuals obtain identification prior to release. TDCJ can assist with obtaining birth certificates and Social Security cards during incarceration. A Texas ID or driver license can be issued to eligible offenders through the reentry coordination program. Contact your TDCJ case manager or reentry coordinator to begin the process.

Homeless Provisions

Texas does not have a statewide fee waiver specifically for homeless individuals seeking state ID. However, the free Election Identification Certificate (EIC) is available to anyone without photo ID. Local nonprofits and social service agencies may help cover ID costs for homeless individuals.

Fee Waivers

Texas offers a free Election Identification Certificate (EIC) for voting purposes. Standard state ID fee waivers are limited, but individuals 60 and older may qualify for reduced fees. Nonprofit organizations and reentry programs may provide financial assistance for ID costs.

Texas Reentry ID Law

SB 1681 / Govt Code 501.0165 (Tex. Gov't Code 501.0165, 2015)

Requires TDCJ to help eligible individuals obtain a personal identification certificate from DPS before release. TDCJ coordinates with DPS to facilitate the application process, including obtaining supporting documents such as birth certificates.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in Texas: $22 per certified copy.
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the DPS. Cost: $16.
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the DPS, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest DPS office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the DPS as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state DPS offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for Texas-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the DPS to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some DPS offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than Texas, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in Texas but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the TexasState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in Texas and register to vote. See our Texas voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More Texas Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to get a Texas state ID for the first time?
You need proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (such as a birth certificate or passport), your Social Security card, and two documents showing your Texas address (such as a utility bill and bank statement). You must apply in person at a DPS driver license office.
What is the Texas Election Identification Certificate (EIC)?
The EIC is a free photo ID issued by DPS specifically for voting purposes. It is available to Texas residents who do not have another acceptable form of photo ID. You can apply at any DPS office with proof of citizenship and identity.
Can I get a Texas state ID if I have a criminal record?
Yes. A criminal record does not prevent you from obtaining a Texas state ID. You need the same documents as anyone else. If you are being released from prison, the TDCJ reentry program can help you gather documents and obtain ID before release.
How do I get a birth certificate if I was born in Texas?
You can order a certified copy from DSHS Vital Statistics online, by mail, or through local registrar offices. The cost is $22 per copy. You will need a valid photo ID and proof of eligibility.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
You can apply for a replacement Social Security card at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office or online at ssa.gov. Replacement cards are free. You will need proof of identity such as a state ID, driver's license, or passport.
How long is a Texas state ID valid?
Texas state ID cards are valid for 6 years from the date of issuance. For individuals 60 and older, the ID is valid indefinitely. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local DPS, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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